The much-awaited strong hybrid iteration of the Duster is finally here
The Renault Duster Hybrid has been launched for our market. The Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 mill in the Duster makes it boast best-in-class ARAI-certified mileage of 29 km/l. That will be its biggest attraction. In fact, it will cater to those who want low running costs. The French carmaker claims that the fuel savings are 29% compared to a diesel engine. That is a testament to just how fuel-efficient the mid-size SUV is. Furthermore, Renault says that users can expect 80% of city driving in pure EV mode. For now, let us delve into all there is to know about the vehicle.
Renault Duster Hybrid – Specs
The Renault Duster Hybrid carries a massive E20-compatible 1.8-litre petrol engine with 2 electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery pack for a strong hybrid configuration. The combined output is 160 PS and 208 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. However, a key new attraction is the Formula 1-inspired multi-mode automatic gearbox with 2 electric and 4 petrol gears. This enables 15 drive combinations for a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Courtesy of the ICE powertrain, the SUV doesn’t require external charging infrastructure. As is the case with almost every strong hybrid mill, the system automatically switches between electric, hybrid and combustion modes as per the driving conditions. In terms of performance, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.61 seconds. Renault says that it is due to the instant torque availability.
| Specs | New Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 |
| Engine | 1.8L Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 with 2 Electric Motors |
| Power | 160 PS |
| Torque | 208 Nm |
| Transmission | AT |
Renault Duster Hybrid – Price
The new Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 is available in three versions – Evolution, Techno and Emotion. The prices start at Rs 16.99 lakh and go up to Rs 19.49 lakh, ex-showroom. That is quite competitive when it comes to strong hybrid mid-size SUVs. To ease the ownership experience, the Renault Forever Protect 360 plan starts at Rs 89,900, which includes 3 years of comprehensive zero-depreciation motor insurance, 3 years / 30,000 km AMC and an assured resale value of 60% after 3 years. On the other hand, under the Renault Forever program, the maximum warranty is 7 years / 1,50,000 km. The variant-wise prices are:
| Price (ex-sh.) | New Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 |
| Evolution | Rs 16.99 lakh |
| Techno | Rs 18.99 lakh |
| Emotion | Rs 19.49 lakh |
Renault Duster Hybrid – Interior and Features
We know that new-age customers want their vehicles with all the latest bells and whistles. Hence, carmakers equip their models with all the modern tech. That is exactly the case with the Duster too. For the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, the buyers will get the new dune brown leatherette set upholstery in the Emotion version and a new desert beige semi-leatherette upholstery for the Techno trim. In terms of storage, the 372-litre boot space (under the parcel shelf) is quite large and it extends to 544 litres (to the roof). Some of the top in-cabin attractions include:
- 10.1-inch OpenR Link Multimedia System
- 10.25-inch FTF Driver’s Instrument Cluster
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Electric Powered Tailgate
- Electric Parking Brake with Auto-hold
- Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Electric Front Seats with 6-way Adjust
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Renault Hands-free Access Card with Push Button Start
- All Power Windows with Auto Up/Down
- Touch-Activated Cabin Lighting
- 6-speaker Arkamys Sound System
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
- Puddle Lamps
- Physical Controls for Most Used in-cabin Features
- New Seat Design with Reduced Headrest Size
- Desert Beige Wrap and Brown Finish on Upper Dashboard
- Dune Brown Leatherette Wrap with Carbon Finish on Upper Dashboard
- Elevated Centre Console with e-shifter
- Renault Duster Hybrid – Design and Dimensions
Renault Duster Hybrid – Design and Dimensions
The design is not all that different from the regular model. The SUV gets a design language that incorporates modern styling elements while keeping Indian buyers’ preferences in mind. SUV customers in India generally look for a commanding road presence, and the new Duster delivers this through its muscular bodywork and upright stance. At the front, slim LED DRLs integrated into the LED headlamp clusters reflect Renault’s global design identity. These are complemented by a bold trapezoidal grille, a sharply sculpted upright bonnet and a sporty bumper with a rugged, adventure-inspired skid plate. Together, these elements give the new Duster an aggressive and imposing appearance. The dimensions of the mid-size SUV are:
| Dimensions (in mm) | New Renault Duster |
| Length | 4,346 |
| Width | 1,815 |
| Height | 1,703 |
| Wheelbase | 2,657 |
Editor’s Note
The Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 is an important addition to the SUV’s lineup, particularly for buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency without wanting to compromise on everyday practicality. Its claimed ARAI mileage of 29 km/l is certainly impressive, while the ability to cover a large proportion of city journeys in pure electric mode could help keep running costs in check. I also find the combination of a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a multi-mode automatic gearbox interesting, as it promises a different driving experience from conventional petrol SUVs. With prices starting at ₹16.99 lakh and features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and an electric tailgate, the Duster Hybrid makes a strong case for itself on paper. However, its real-world efficiency and the refinement of the hybrid powertrain will ultimately determine how well it stands up to the competition. – Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
Also Read: New Renault Duster vs Maruti Grand Vitara – Which SUV is Better?
